An Order of Protection is a court order designed to keep your abuser away from you.  There are two types of orders: 

Temporary Order of Protection:  A Temporary “Ex-parte” Order of Protection is a court order designed to provide you and your family members with immediate protection from your abuser.  A judge may issue an ex-parte order on the day you file your petition for an Order of Protection if he/she believes that you are in immediate danger or if your abuser is scheduled to be released from prison within 30 days and you will be in danger when he is released.  “Ex-parte” means that the order is issued without your abuser present.  In order to get a permanent Order of Protection, you need to have a full court hearing with your abuser present.  A Temporary “Ex-parte” Order of Protection will protect you from the time you file until your full court hearing takes place, usually within 30 days.

Permanent Order of Protection:  A Permanent Order of Protection is like a Temporary Order of Protection, but it last longer and can be issued only after a court hearing takes place where you and your abuser both have the opportunity to tell your own side of the story.  A permanent order will last for at least 90 days and at most 2 years.  The order may be renewed after it expires if the court finds that the threat of domestic abuse still exists.   

There is no filing fee to get an Order of Protection.  We at Hope Cottage (501) 278-4673, can assist you in obtaining an Order of Protection or you can contact the Crimes Against Women Unit at either the Searcy Police Department (501) 268-3531 or the White County Sheriff’s Department (501) 279-6231. 

Gaining an Order of Protection does not mean you are safe.  Ongoing safety planning is important after receiving the Order.  Women can do a number of things to increase their safety during violent incidents, when preparing to leave an abusive relationship, and when they are at home, work and school.  Many batterers obey protection orders, but some do not and it is important to build on the things you have already been doing to keep yourself safe.  Advocates at Hope Cottage (501) 278-4673 can assist you in designing a safety plan and can provide other forms of support.